Best Skid Steer for Farm Use: 7 Critical Factors Before Buying

Forget the myth that any skid steer with decent horsepower will handle your farm tasks—the best skid steer for farm use depends on hydraulic flow, lift path, and terrain match. Too many buy on skid steer brand loyalty, only to rent what they actually needed. This guide cuts through the specs to help you choose the right machine.

The best skid steer for farm use depends on terrain and primary tasks. Choose tracks for muddy conditions, wheels for concrete. For loading trucks, select vertical lift. For digging, choose radial lift. Kubota SSV65 excels on uneven terrain, while Bobcat S770 offers power for heavy tasks.

Top Skid Steer Brands for Farming

The market offers a variety of skid steer brands, each with its own strengths and focus. Here's a closer look at some of the leading manufacturers:

Bobcat, in particular, dominates the skid steer market with its extensive range of models and attachments, catering to diverse needs and applications. Their K-Series skid steers are especially noteworthy for their compact size and agility, making them ideal for maneuvering in tight spaces on the farm.

Caterpillar also holds a strong position in the market, renowned for its powerful and efficient machines.

Talk to most longtime farm operators and they'll tell you "Bobcat" the way some folks say "Kleenex" for tissues. There's a reason for that market dominance - they've been perfecting the skid steer since practically day one.

That said, don't sleep on Kubota if you're dealing with particularly rough terrain, or Case if you're looking for operator comfort that won't break the bank.

Understanding Skid Steer Components

To fully appreciate the capabilities, it's helpful to understand the key components of a skid steer:

Engine: Skid steers typically use diesel engines, which are known for their power and efficiency in demanding applications.

Fuel System: The fuel system ensures the optimal mix of fuel and air for efficient combustion and power delivery.

Hydraulics: The hydraulic system is the heart of the skid steer, powering the lift arms and attachments. High hydraulic flow rates translate to smoother and more precise operation.

Wheels: Wheeled skid steers utilize independent operation of the front and rear wheels, allowing for the characteristic skidding motion and exceptional maneuverability.

Lift Arms: The lift arms are the foundation for attaching various tools and implements, transforming the skid steer into a multipurpose machine.

Safety Features: Essential safety features include ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) and FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) to protect the operator in case of rollovers or falling objects.

Think of the hydraulic system as the machine's circulatory system - it's what gives the skid steer its versatility. When shopping for a skid steer, pay particular attention to the hydraulic flow rate (measured in GPM).

That seemingly obscure spec will determine which attachments your machine can effectively power. A top-tier brush cutter that seems like a steal might end up being useless if your skid steer can't provide the hydraulic flow it needs.

Types of Skid Steers and Their Suitability for Farm Tasks

Skid steers are categorized by their drive system (wheeled or tracked) and lift path (radial or vertical), each offering advantages for specific farm tasks.

Wheeled vs. Tracked Skid Steers

Wheeled Skid Steers

These are generally more affordable and maneuverable, well-suited for hard, flat surfaces and offering higher travel speeds. However, they may not be the best choice for uneven or muddy terrain.

Tracked Skid Steers (Compact Track Loaders)

These excel in providing superior traction and stability on soft or uneven ground, making them ideal for muddy fields, snowy conditions, or rough terrain. They also minimize ground disturbance, which can be beneficial for delicate crops or pastures. However, they typically come with a higher price tag and lower travel speeds.

The tracked vs. wheeled debate comes down to this: how often are you dealing with mud, snow, or soft conditions? If your answer includes the phrase "all the time," the extra investment in tracks will likely pay for itself in productivity.

If you're primarily working on solid surfaces and concrete, wheels make more economic sense. I've seen more than one operator stubbornly stick with wheels when their conditions clearly called for tracks - and spend half their day getting unstuck.

Radial vs. Vertical Lift

Radial Lift

The lift arms arc outward, providing maximum reach at mid-range heights, making them well-suited for digging, grading, and loading materials at lower heights. For example, a radial lift skid steer would be ideal for digging a trench for irrigation or moving materials around a barn.

Vertical Lift

The lift arms rise in a nearly vertical path, offering greater reach and stability at full lift height, which is beneficial for loading trucks, stacking materials, and reaching higher areas. This type of lift is particularly useful for stacking hay bales or loading materials into a high-sided truck.

Size and Operating Capacity

Skid steers are available in various sizes to accommodate different needs and applications:

Compact Skid Steers

These are the smallest and most maneuverable, ideal for confined spaces and lighter tasks. They are well-suited for tasks like landscaping or working inside barns.

Medium-Frame Skid Steers

These offer a balance between compactness and power, making them versatile for a broader range of farm applications. They are a good choice for general farm work, such as moving feed or clearing small areas of brush.

Large-Frame Skid Steers

These are the most powerful and have the highest lifting capacities, making them suitable for demanding tasks and larger farms. They are ideal for heavy-duty land clearing or moving large quantities of materials.

Skid Steer Applications on the Farm

Skid steers are incredibly versatile machines, capable of performing a wide range of tasks on the farm. Some common applications include:

Fieldwork

Skid steers can be used for clearing land, preparing soil, spreading and planting seeds, and distributing fertilizer.

Landscaping

They can assist with landscaping tasks, such as planting trees, moving soil, and grading land.

Scooping and Hauling

The bucket attachment is highly versatile for scooping and hauling various materials, including dirt, gravel, manure, hay bales, and debris.

Road Maintenance

Skid steers can be used for spreading gravel, fixing potholes, repairing drainage, and pushing snow.

Brush Clearing

They can be equipped with attachments for preparing fireguards, removing small brush, and trimming trees.

Water Installation

Skid steers can assist with establishing trench lines, installing tanks, excavating breaks, and adding rock to water points.

Construction

They can be used for leveling and grading building sites and transporting materials during construction projects.

I've seen farmers who initially bought a skid steer for a single purpose end up using it for dozens of tasks they never anticipated.

One dairy farmer I know purchased a skid steer solely for cleaning barn alleys, but within a year was using it daily for feed handling, moving round bales, grading his driveway, and even installing fence posts with an auger attachment.

The machine's versatility becomes addictive once you start exploring different attachments.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Skid Steer for Farming

When selecting a skid steer for your farm, consider these key features to ensure you choose the best skid steer for farm use:

graph TD
    A[Key Features for<br>Skid Steer Selection] --> B[Drive System]
    A --> C[Lift Path]
    A --> D[Size & Capacity]
    A --> E[Hydraulics]
    A --> F[Attachments]
    A --> G[Comfort & Safety]
    
    %% Drive System Details
    B --> B1[Wheeled]
    B --> B2[Tracked]
    B1 --> B1a[Best for: Hard surfaces<br>Higher speed<br>Lower cost<br>Less ground disturbance]
    B2 --> B2a[Best for: Soft terrain<br>Better stability<br>More traction<br>Higher purchase & maintenance]
    
    %% Lift Path Details
    C --> C1[Radial Lift]
    C --> C2[Vertical Lift]
    C1 --> C1a[Best for: Digging<br>Grading<br>Below grade work<br>Max reach at mid-height]
    C2 --> C2a[Best for: Loading trucks<br>Stacking hay<br>Greater reach at full height<br>Better capacity retention]
    
    %% Size & Capacity Details
    D --> D1[Compact: Under 1,750 lbs]
    D --> D2[Medium: 1,750-2,500 lbs]
    D --> D3[Large: Over 2,500 lbs]
    D1 --> D1a[Best for: Barn work<br>Tight spaces<br>Light material handling]
    D2 --> D2a[Best for: General farm tasks<br>Versatile applications<br>Balance of power/size]
    D3 --> D3a[Best for: Heavy lifting<br>Land clearing<br>Large operations]
    
    %% Hydraulics Details
    E --> E1[Standard Flow: 15-20 GPM]
    E --> E2[High Flow: 20+ GPM]
    E1 --> E1a[Sufficient for:<br>Buckets, forks,<br>basic attachments]
    E2 --> E2a[Required for:<br>Mulchers, tillers,<br>augers, snow blowers]
    
    %% Attachment Connection
    F --> F1[Attachment Types]
    F --> F2[Coupling Systems]
    F1 --> F1a[Consider: Most-used<br>attachments first]
    F2 --> F2a[Quick attach systems<br>make swapping easier]
    
    %% Comfort & Safety
    G --> G1[Operator Comfort]
    G --> G2[Safety Features]
    G1 --> G1a[Climate controlled cab<br>reduces fatigue<br>on long work days]
    G2 --> G2a[ROPS, FOPS, interlocks<br>are non-negotiable<br>safety requirements]
    
    %% Styling
    classDef main fill:#3498db,stroke:#2c3e50,color:white,stroke-width:2px
    classDef category fill:#e74c3c,stroke:#c0392b,color:white,stroke-width:2px
    classDef option fill:#2ecc71,stroke:#27ae60,color:white,stroke-width:1px
    classDef detail fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#f39c12,color:#34495e,stroke-width:1px
    
    class A main
    class B,C,D,E,F,G category
    class B1,B2,C1,C2,D1,D2,D3,E1,E2,F1,F2,G1,G2 option
    class B1a,B2a,C1a,C2a,D1a,D2a,D3a,E1a,E2a,F1a,F2a,G1a,G2a detail

Horsepower

Higher horsepower provides more power for demanding tasks like land clearing, grading, and operating heavy attachments. A range of 70-100 HP is recommended for land clearing, while 50-70 HP is sufficient for general farm use.

Operating Capacity

This refers to the maximum weight the machine can lift safely. Ensure the skid steer can handle the weight of the attachments and materials you will be working with. An operating capacity of at least 2,500 lbs is advisable for land clearing.

Hydraulics

The hydraulic system powers the attachments. High-flow hydraulics (20+ GPM) are essential for operating heavy-duty attachments like mulchers and augers.

Let's be real - hydraulic flow rate is where a lot of buyers get burned. I've seen more than one farmer buy a skid steer with standard flow hydraulics only to find out later that the forestry mulcher they want requires high flow. Upgrading hydraulics after purchase is expensive if it's even possible, so think ahead about your attachment needs.

Attachments

Skid steers are highly versatile due to the wide range of attachments available. Consider the specific tasks you need to perform and ensure the skid steer has the hydraulic capacity to power the necessary attachments. Common attachments for farm use include:

• Buckets: These are essential for digging, grading, and material handling. There are two main types of buckets: standard buckets with a smooth edge for scraping and scooping, and tooth buckets with teeth for digging into tougher materials.
• Pallet Forks: These are ideal for moving pallets, hay bales, and other materials.
• Augers: These are used for drilling holes for fence posts, trees, or foundations.
• Trenchers: These are designed for digging trenches for irrigation or utility lines.
• Brush Cutters and Mowers: These are essential for clearing brush, maintaining pastures, and mowing.
• Bale Spears and Grapples: These are specifically designed for handling hay bales.
• Mowers: For maintaining lawns and pastures.
• Grapples: For handling logs, brush, and debris.
• Seeders: For planting seeds.
• Grading Tools: For leveling and grading land.
• Brush Cutters: For clearing brush and undergrowth.
• Feed Buckets: For distributing feed to livestock.
• Spear Carriers: For handling larger objects like logs.
• Bale Handlers: For efficiently moving and stacking hay bales.
• Manure Scrapers: For cleaning barns and livestock areas.

Cab Comfort

If you plan to work long hours, consider features like climate control, ergonomic seating, and good visibility for operator comfort and reduced fatigue.

Don't underestimate the value of a good cab if you're putting in long hours. The price difference between a basic open cab and a deluxe enclosed cab with heat/AC can be substantial, but when you're working in 95-degree heat or below-freezing temperatures, that climate control system suddenly seems worth every penny.

Your productivity plummets when you're uncomfortable.

Tires

Choosing the right tires for your skid steer is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Consider the following options:

• Solid Rubber Tires: These are durable and puncture-resistant, suitable for hard surfaces and construction sites.
• Pneumatic Tires: These offer better traction and a smoother ride, making them suitable for various terrains.
• Flotation Tires: These are designed for soft or loose surfaces like sand, mud, or snow, providing extra floatation to prevent the machine from sinking.
• Multi-Terrain Tires: These offer versatility for use on a variety of surfaces, providing a good balance of traction, stability, and durability.

Terrain Compatibility

Consider the terrain of your farm when choosing between wheeled and tracked skid steers. Wheeled skid steers are best suited for hard, flat surfaces, while tracked skid steers excel on muddy, uneven, or steep terrain.

Safety Features

Prioritize safety features like ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure), FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure), seat belts, and interlock control systems to protect the operator.

Maintenance and Durability

Choose a reliable brand with readily available parts and service. Consider the ease of maintenance and the durability of the machine for long-term cost-effectiveness.

Cost of Skid Steers and Attachments

The cost of skid steers can vary significantly depending on factors like brand, model, size, features, and condition.

New Skid Steers

• New skid steers typically cost between $30,000 and $120,000.
• Larger models with higher lift capacities and more features tend to be more expensive.
• Attachments can add significantly to the cost, ranging from $1,000 for simple buckets to over $20,000 for complex attachments like backhoes.
• If you require an enclosed cab for operator comfort and protection from the elements, be prepared to add to the cost of the machine.

The sticker shock of a new skid steer can be substantial, especially when you start adding attachments and options. That base price you saw advertised? Think of it as the starting point for negotiations, not the final tally. By the time you add an enclosed cab with AC, high-flow hydraulics, and a couple of attachments, you could be looking at double the advertised base price.

Used Skid Steers

• Used skid steers offer a more budget-friendly option, with prices varying based on age, hours of use, and condition.
• Older models with high hours may be available for as low as $5,000, while well-maintained, low-hour models can range from $20,000 to $85,000.

Skid Steer Attachments

• Attachment costs vary widely, starting from around $500 for basic attachments like pallet forks and simple buckets.
• Mid-range attachments like snow plows, dozer blades, and tillers typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000.
• High-end attachments like backhoes, cold planers, and concrete crushers can cost $10,000 to $25,000 or more.

Government Subsidies or Incentives

Several government programs offer financial assistance to farmers for purchasing agricultural equipment, including skid steers.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Loans: The FSA provides various loan programs to help farmers acquire equipment, including Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans. These loans can be used to purchase new or used equipment and can offer favorable interest rates and terms.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): This program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers financial and technical assistance to farmers for implementing conservation practices, which may include purchasing equipment that reduces emissions or improves environmental performance.

Valley Air District's Tractor Replacement Program: This program offers significant financial assistance to farmers replacing older tractors with newer, more environmentally friendly models, which may include skid steers. Eligibility criteria include owning older tractors with specific engine tiers and operating within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Incentive amounts vary based on the size of the operation and the horsepower of the replacement equipment.

NIFA Equipment Grant Program: This program aims to increase access to shared-use special purpose equipment for agricultural research. While it may not directly fund skid steer purchases for individual farms, it highlights government support for agricultural equipment and research.

Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL): These loans provide funds to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment.

Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL): These loans offer interim financing to producers so eligible commodities can be stored and sold when market conditions are better.

State and Local Programs: Some states and local governments offer incentives or grants for agricultural equipment purchases. Check with your local agricultural extension office or government agencies for available programs.

Many farmers leave significant money on the table by not exploring government assistance programs. I've seen cases where emission-reduction incentives covered up to 60% of a new skid steer's cost when replacing older equipment.

These programs can be competitive and paperwork-heavy, but the financial benefit makes it worth the effort. Your local extension office can often help navigate the application process.

Comparing Skid Steer Models for Farm Use

To help you make informed decisions, here's a comparison of specific skid steer models:

Bobcat S770 vs. John Deere 334 P-Tier: While information on the John Deere 334 P-Tier was limited, the Bobcat S770 boasts impressive specifications, including an engine power of 68.6 kW, a tipping load of 3137 kg, and an operating weight of 4162 kg. This suggests the S770 might be a powerful option for demanding farm tasks.

Caterpillar 262D3 vs. Case SV340B: The Caterpillar 262D3 is better suited for heavy-duty tasks than the Case SV340B. Caterpillar is known for its robust and powerful machines, making the 262D3 a potentially reliable choice for demanding farm applications.

Kubota SSV65 vs. New Holland L321: Both models are suitable for farm use, but the Kubota SSV65 stands out for its compact size, ease of use, and ability to handle uneven terrain. Its versatility and compatibility with various attachments make it a potentially cost-effective option for diverse farming operations.

Brand loyalty runs deep in farm equipment, but it’s worth test-driving at least three different brands before deciding. I’ve seen die-hard Deere fans switch to Kubota after trying a friend’s machine and dedicated Bobcat users move to Cat after noticing the difference in lifting capacity.

Keeping an open mind can lead you to the best skid steer for farm use that truly fits your needs. The best machine for your operation might not be the one with your favorite paint color.

Conclusion

The difference between a smart skid steer purchase and an expensive mistake comes down to brutal honesty about your actual needs. Those 100HP beasts with all the options? Great if you’re clearing forest daily. Ridiculous if you’re mostly moving feed and cleaning barns.

Finding the best skid steer for farm use means matching capabilities to reality: tracks for mud, wheels for concrete; vertical lift for loading trucks, radial for digging; and always checking that hydraulic flow rate against your most demanding attachments.

Before signing anything, rent your top choice for a day on your actual property. No fancy spec sheet can tell you how it handles in your muddy back forty when the spring thaw hits.

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